Beer-Can Burgers start with a baseball-size orb of ground meat--1/2 pound or more. A chilled, unopened beer is pressed into the meat, forming a cup the same diameter as the can and about 1-1/2 inches deep. Strips of bacon--c'mon, you knew bacon would be involved--are wrapped around the outside of each burger before the can is eased out of the meat. (No beers are harmed in the preparation of this recipe.) Then the burgers are stuffed with cheese and/or other ingredients before being indirect grilled over medium heat.

When served on buns, these bad boys are jaw-stretchers. But there's no shame in eating them with a knife and fork with your favorite condiments.

Intrigued? Here are a few tips to get you started:•While we typically recommend a lean to fat ratio of 80/20 for burgers, leaner mixtures work, too. Grass-fed beef (always my preference) is naturally lean, or look for a ratio of 85/15 or even 90/10.

•Thoroughly chill the meat and the beer before forming the burgers. We also like to refrigerate the burgers for at least 30 minutes before filling.

•For easier release, lightly spray the bottom and lower half of the beer can (or a soda can) with cooking spray before pressing it into the meat.

•Cheese toughens when exposed too long to the high, dry heat of the grill. For best results, top the burgers with cheese during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking time.